Supervised alarm system



April 29 1952 w. HLADKY Erm. 2,594,771

SUPERVISED ALARM SYSTEM Filed May 5, 1950 ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 29,1952 SUPERVISED ALARM SYSTEM Walter Hladky and Emidio Ciccone, Newark,N. J., assignors to J. H. Scharff, Inc., East Orange, N. J., acorporation of New Jersey Application May 3, 1950, Serial No. 159,672

6 Claims.l

This invention relates to an improved alarm system or apparatus andespecially a mechanism by means of which lires or unusual temperaturechanges may be registered.

It is an object of the invention to furnish an improved system embodyinga suitable number of detectors located at points which are'to besupervised and which in the event of a fire or similar dangerouscondition occurring at those points, will register an alarm at a centralstation or at a re house. The present invention contemplates using theexisting telephone lines between the points at which the detectors arelocated and that central station although, of course, other circuits maybe included. Where telephone lines are employed the functioning of thepresent system will in no wise interfere with the normal operation ofthose lines and the conventional instruments connected therewith.

Itis a further object to provide a system which will not alone registeran alarm at a central station or a fire house, but also to furnish asystem which will put the attendant on notice in the event of open orshort circuits occurring.

A further object is that of furnishing a system of this type which maybe readily tested so that the operator can be assured that all parts arefunctioning in a proper manner and in which, moreover, undesired andunnecessary signal indications may be eliminated.

Still another object is that of providing a layout of apparatus ofrugged and more or less standard unit construction such as might bepurchased on the open market. Therefore, the units may be assembled toprovide a low cost system which will function over long periods of timewith freedom from all diculties.

With these and other objects in mind reference is had to the attachedsheet of drawings in which the-iigure diagrammatically represents acircuit and grouping of apparatus such as would be employed in the caseof a single detector.

-As will be understood this illustration has been resorted to with aview to avoiding unnecessary complicated drawings. In actual practicethe system will embrace any desired or necessary number of detectorslocated at desiredpoints in the property to be supervised. Each of thesedetectors may be included in one complete system or else a number ofdetectors might be connected in a single system, especially if thosedetectors are located in a generally single locality. In any event, thealarms and, if desired, the controls foi` the system may be situated atthe central manually supervised station on a single panel or adjacentpanels. These may encompass any desired number of complete systemsincluding one or more detectors which are located where necessary. Thedistance between the detectors and the central panel may be a matter ofa few feet or several miles. This distance is bridged preferably by theintervening standard telephone lines.

With the foregoing in-mind and referring to the drawing it will be seenthat the numeral I indicates a source of current supply from which leads2 and 3 extend. Interposed in these leads and in other leads throughoutthe entire system are fuses 4 of suitable values. Connected with lead 2and arranged inseries with each other are the electro-magnets 5, 6 and 1of relays which have been diagrammatically shown. Extending fromelectro-magnet I is a lead 8 within which there is interposed a resistor9 beyond which a detector unit II is disposed. A second resistor I0 isarranged in shunt with this detector.

The detecting unit may embody one of a number of differentconstructions. Likewise it might respond to one or more of severalconditions. However, for the purposes of the present description, itwill be considered to be a unit which responds to a relatively rapidrise in temperature such as would exist in the case of fire occurring.While this is a preferred embodiment of the present teachings it is notto be regarded in a limiting sense except where otherwise indicated inthe claims.

Beyond the detector unit and the resistors, lead 8 is continued to atest-release switch assembly. Under the normal position of the partscurrent will flow through contact I2 of that assembly, through switcharm I3 and potentiometer I4 to a switch assembly by means of whichelectrical measurements tests may be conducted. In the normal positionof the parts of the latter assembly the current flows through arm I5 tocontact I6. The latter is connected to lead 3 which, as afore broughtout, extends from supply I. Therefore a complete circuit is furnished.

At this time it is to be understood that magnet 5 responds to the ow ofa moderate or medium amount of current to pull-in or attract itsoperating armature, Electro-magnet 6 responds to a small or low currentflow to maintain its armature in attracted position and electro-magnet 1requires the iiow of a high current value to operate its armature.Resistor 9 serves to limit the flow of current in the circuit to a levelwhich ,will be below that necessary to cause an operative energizationof magnet 1, although above that at which magnet 5 will be operativelyenergized. Resistor I il is furnished to permit of a current flow ofsmall value to pass through the circuit even although the points of thedetectors are not engaged. The value of such current now will beadequate to maintain electro-magnet S operatively energized, but magnet5 de-energized.

A second source of current supply has been indic-ated by the numeral I?.From one side of this source leads I8, I9, 2li, 2l and 22 extend. Fromthe opposite side of the source Il leads 23 and 24 extend. Within theleads I S to 22 inclusive alarm signals are interposed. These may be ofany desired type. For example, they may include light bulbs 25 orcombined units embracing bulbs 25 and gongs or bells 2l. Again it willbe understood that these units may include any structure althoughpreferably they will embody a more or less standard design.

The assembly of the relay of which electromagnet 5 forms a part includesmovable arms 28 and 29 which engage respectively contacts 3o and 3l. Thelatter' dene the ends of leads 2i and 22. As will be hereinafter broughtout, a shifting of arms 28 and 2e from their illustrated normalpositions will result in an alarm bein-r registered. This alarm wouldnormally continue until the condition causing that alarm will have beencorrected. Continuance of the alarm operation beyond a period necessaryfor the operator or supervisor at the central station to take cognizancethereof is not alone unnecessary but usually undesirable.

Therefore to discontinue by manual manipulation of a switch, furtheroperation of the alarm, a cut-oit structure is furnished. Thisconveniently embraces a switch including a contact 33 connected with thecontact 32 engaged in the normal position of the aforementioned relay bythe switch arm 23. posed in spaced relation with respect to Contact 33.A switch 34 may move between these contacts. The norm-al position ofthis switch arm is in engagement with contact S3.

lit has heretofore been noted that leads 2| and 22 are connected withone side of an electrical source i?. When electro-magnet 5 is energizedto shift arms 28 and 29 to engage contacts 30 and 3i, current maytherefore flow from leads 22 through the arm 28 and lead 55. From thelatter it will flow through contact 36 and arm 31 forming a part of afurther relay assembly, This assembly normally maintains such contactand arm in electrical engagement. Therefore, the current ilow willcontinue through lead 38 to arm 39 of the test-release switch assemblyand then through contact 4B to lead 4 i. The latter being connected tolead 23 it follows that the second side of the electrical source Il isconnected in circuit. Therefore, the alarm lamp and any auxiliary unitsprovided for tripping time stamps, code wheels, and punch registersconnected within lead 22 will be energized. Simultaneously lamp 25 andgong or bell 2 connected to lead 2l will be energized to operate becausecurrent will flow from this lead through arm 34, contact 33', contact 3land switch arm 29 to lead 35. As is apparent if the arm 3a of thecut-ofi switch is shifted to discontinue the alarm provided by theassembly at 26-21, the lamp 25 in lead 22 will nevertheless continue tobe energized. This would be true of any substitute or units auxiliary tothat lamp which might be employed. Such latter energization will placethe operator on notice first that the condition registered by the Asecond contact 33 is disunit 2-2I is still continuing and also that ifthe condition no longer prevails, switch arm 3e must be reshifted to itsinitial position as shown in the drawings.

An operative energization of electro-magnet 5 of course occurs when thepoints of ydetector H close to register a dangerous or fire condition.With such points closed a current may'ilow from source I and will have asufficiently high value to cause a pull-in or attraction of the armatureoi that relay assembly. With the points of detector II open, currentwill nevertheless now from source I through the several electro-magnetsof the relays because of the existence of resistor It. However', in viewof the fact that this resistor permits only a small current now solelyelectromagnet 5 will be operatively energized. Such energization willmaintain the arm 42 or the associated relay mechanism normally out ofengagement with the Contact 42'. That contact denes the end of lead 2G.*nder these circumstances lead signal or alarm unit 25 included withinlead 2@ will not be energized.

In the event that a break occurs within the telephone or other linesextending between the detector and the central apparatus, it is, ofcourse, apparent that a re or similar alarm as registered byenergization of electro-magnet 5 and its associated relay mechanismwould be inelective. Therefore, an operator at the central stationshould be immediately made aware of any open circuit condition whichwould thus aiect the system. As will be apparent, if either of thebranches of lead 3 should be severed. all flow of current through theelectro-magnets 5, 6. and 'I would be interrupted. Under thesecircumstances the usual spring or else the expedient of gravity underwhich the several relays operate would cause arms 42 to engage thecontact 42'. Accordingly, current can iiow through lead 2) and to lead43, whence it would flow through lead 44 and branch 23 to the oppositeside of source Il. This would cause an energization of the signal 25 inlead 20 to thus put the operator or supervisor on notice that an opencircuit condition existed in the system.

Assuming a short circuit condition to come into being then it is obviousthat current would not now through either the detector or through theresistors 9 and I0. Again, the supervisor should be made aware of such acondition under which, of course, the detector l I would be inoperativeto sound an alarm. With the full potential of current from source Iflowing through the magnets 5, 6 and 1, a suliiciently high value existsto cause an operative. energization of magnet 'I'. This will result in ashifting of the switch arms 45 and 46 forming a part of the relayassembly embracing that magnet into engagement with contacts 41 and 48.Under these circumstances, current is free to flow from source I'lthrough lead I9 and the alarm signal interposed therein through contact49 forming a part of the relay assembly embracing electro-magnet 3.1 andthence through contact 41,. arm 45 and lead 44 connected to branch 23which is coupled tothe opposite side of source I l. Therefore, the-circuit will be complete and the lamp 25 or other signal coupled intolead I9 will be energized. This will make the operator aware that ashort circuit condition exists. ASimultaneously with the energization ofthat signal the alarm embracing units 28-21 interposed in lead I8 willbe energized.

This will occur because current will now from one side of source I1through lead I8 and thence.

through switch arm 5I) of a cut-olf assembly and thence through contact5I which is connected to contact 48. From the latter it will of courseflow through arm 46 to leads 44 and 23.

Again, if an operator wishes to cause a cessation of functioning of thevalarm unit 26-21, he may doA so by simply manually shifting arm 50 outof engagement with Contact 5I and into engagement with contact 52. Thelatter is connected to contact 53 normally engaged by arm 46. Underthese circumstances current will not ow through lead I8 because arm 46will be out of engagement with contact 53. A cut-out switch assembly isalso furnished in connection with the relayoperated by electro-magnet 6and includes a manually shiftable arm 54 normally engaging contact 55which is connected to contact 51 engageable by arm 56 of that relayassembly. A contact 58 may be engaged by arm 54. This contact isconnected to contact 59 of the relay assembly of which electro-magnet 6forms a part. Due to the fact that that electro-magnet is normallyenergized, it follows that arm 56 is ordinarily in engagement withcontact 59. With the opening or shifting of switch 54 or contact 55,current will not flow through the signal devices 26-21 in lead I3because current flow will be interrupted through lead 69 connecting leadIB with arm 54. However if that arm is thus shifted the signal lamp 25or its equivalent interposed in lead 26 will remain energized. I Asafore brought out, under normal operating conditions, a low current owsthrough the relay circuit embracing magnet 6. This maintains the relayin pulled in position. In that position no open-circuit alarm will beoperated. Under fire alarm conditions a medium or moderate current flowsthrough the circuit which causes the relay of which electro-magnet 5forms a part to be actuated thus causing a fire alarm to be registered.Therefore, although two relays are energized, only one type of alarm issounded. Under short circuit conditions, a high current flows whichcauses all three relays to pull in. Since this is the normal conditionof the relay of which magnet 6 forms a part, no open circuit alarm willbe sounded. However, if no expedient has'been resorted to to overcomethis difficulty, a re alarm will be sounded simultaneously with theregistering of the short circuit alarm. To prevent this, the relay ofwhich electro-magnet 31 forms a part is provided. This relay functionsonly under high-current flow conditions.

As afore brought out, under normal conditions, arm 31 and contact 36 ofthis latter relay are in engagement so that current may flow and a firealarm be registered. Under short circuit conditions involving anoperative energization of electro-magnet 'I arm 45 engages contact 41.Therefore current may flow from one side of source I1 through lead 23and thence through lead 44 to arm 45 and so from contact 41 to contact49 to the windings of electro-magnet 31. Thence it will flow throughlead 55 to the opposite of source I1. This 4will cause the arm 31 of therelay of which electro-magnet 31 forms a part to shift. Consequently thecircuit through lead 35 will be interrupted. Therefore, the signaldevices associated with leads 2I and 22 will not be energized.

A ground test switch assembly generally indicated at 6I is provided fortesting by means of a volt meter 62 any existence of a short circuitbetween each side of the telephone line to ground for an equivalentcircuit. A relay test switch 63 is preferably furnished as part of thesystem for testing the calibration of the alarm relays. A switch |64 isfurnished and connected to a lead 65 coupled to lead 23 as Well as alead 66 connected to lead 22. This switch 64 permits of a testing of theannunciator or registering signal lamps. The numeral- 61 indicates theassembly of the electrical measurements test switch and of which contactI6 and arm I5 form a part. This assembly has connected to it amilliammeter 68 for measuring the alarm signal current.

Finally, a test-release switch assembly is indicated by the numeral 69.Arm I3 and contact I2, as well as arm 39 and contact 40 form part ofthis assembly.` Such assembly, in commotion with the electricalmeasurements test switch 61 and the relay test switch 63 permit theengineer or operator in charge to check all portions of the system andto correct conditions of fault which are noted.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as specincallyafore listed are achieved. Obviously numerous changes in constructionand rearrangement of the parts might be resorted vto without departingfrom the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

We claim:

l. An alarm system including in combination three magnetic relays, themagnets of said relays requiring current flows of different values tooperate them, a circuit closing detector unit, re-

sisters of diiferent values arranged respectively in y shunt and inseries with said unit, said relays being arranged in series with eachother and with said unit, the assembly being connectible to a source ofcurrent supply, the first of the magnets being operatively energizableby a current flow passing through the resistor of highest value, thesecond of said magnets being operatively energizable by a current owthrough the resistor of lower value, the third magnet being energizablesolely by a current flow by-passing said unit and resistors andsignalling means operated by each of said relays.

2. An alarm system including in combination three magnetic relays, themagnets of said relays requiring current flows of diiferent values tooperate them, a circuitvclosing detector unit, resistors of differentvalues arranged respectively in shunt and in series with said unit,saidn relays being arranged in series with each other and with saidunit, the assembly being connectible to 'a source of current supply, thefirst of the magnets being operatively energizable by a current owpassing through the resistor of highest value, the second of saidmagnets being operatively energizable by a current ow through theresistor of lower value, the thirdmagnet being energizable solely by acurrent flow by-passing said unit and resistors, audible and visualsignalling means connectible to a separate source of current supply andmeans for connecting said signalling means. with said relays.

3. An alarm system including in combination three magnetic relays, themagnets of said relays requiring current ows of different values tooperate them, a circuit closing detector unit, resistors of differentvalues arranged respectively in shunt and in series with said unit, saidrelays being arranged in series with each other and with said unit, theassembly being connectible to a source of current supply, the rst of themagnets being operatively energizable by a current iiow passing throughthe resistor of highest value, the second of said magnets beingoperatively energizable by a lcurrent flow through the resistor of lowervalue, the third magnet being energizable solely by a current flowby-passing said unit and resistors, :audible and visual signalling meansconnectible to a separate source of current supply, means for connectingsaid signalling 'means with said relays, manually operable switch meansfor disconnecting said signalling means from said separate source andfurther signalling means indicating the position to which any of saidrelays has been shifted.

4. An alarm system including in combination three magnetic relaysI themagnets of saidrelays requiring current iiows of diierent values tooperate them, a circuit closing detector unit, resistors of differentvalues arranged respectively in shunt and in series with said unit,Vsaid relays being arranged in :series with each other `and with saidunit, the assembly being vconnectible to a source of current supply, therst of the magnets being operatively energizable by a current flowpassing through the resistor of highest value, the second of saidmagnets being operatively energizable by a current ow through theresistor of lower value, the third magnet being energizable solely by acurrent ow by-passing said unit and resistors, signalling meansconnected to the v.relay of the rst magnetto indicate when said magnetVis de-energized, further signalling kmeans connected to the relay ofwhich lthe second magnetforms a part to indicate the closing of acircuit through said unit and additional signalling means connected tothe relay of rwhich the third magnet forms -a part for indicating ashort circuit of said-system.

5. An alarm system including in lcombination three magnetic relays, themagnets of saidV relays requiring current flows of diierent values tooperate them, a circuit closing detector unit, resistors of differentvalues arranged respectively in shunt and in series with said unit, saidrelays being yarranged in series with each other and with said unit, theassembly being connectible to a source of current supply, the rst of themagnets being operatively energizable by a current flow passing throughthe resistor of highest value, the second of said magnets beingoperatively energizable by a current ow through the resistor of lowervalue, the third magnet being energizable solely by a current flowby-passing switches connected in said said unit and resistors,signalling means connected to the relay of the rst magnet toindicatewhen said magnet is de-energized, further signalling meansconnected to the relay of which the second magnet forms a part toindicate the closing of a circuit through said unit, additionalsignalling means connected to the relay of which the third magnet vformsa part for indicating `a short circuit of said system and a ,furtherrelay forming a part of said system and connectible to the relay ofwhich the second magnet forms a part to prevent an energization of thesignalling means connected to that relay when a short circuit occurs.

6. An alarm system including in combination three magnetic relays, themagnets of said relays requiring current flows of diierent'values tooperate them, a circuit closing detector unit, resistors of differentvalues arranged respectively in shunt and in series with said unit, saidrelays being arranged -in series with each other and with said unit, theassembly being connectible to a source of current supply, the rst of themagnets being operatively energizable by a current ow passing throughthe resistor of highest value, the second of said `magnets beingoperatively energizable by a current flow through the resistor of lowervalue, the third magnet being energizable solely by a current owley-passing said unit and resistors, signalling means operated by eachof said relays and testing system to test the operativeness of theseveral relays, circuits and signalling means.

WALTER HLADKY. EMIDIO CICCONE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 673,519 Foster, Jr. May 7, 19011,229,939 Goldstein June 12, 1917 1,909,212 Muehter May 16, 19332,000,074 Grant, Jr. May 7, 1935 2,075,822 Miller Apr. '6, '19372,116,947 Ketay May 10, 1938 2,362,021 Nazar Nov. 7. 1944

